Toronto has some of Canada’s fastest internet infrastructure, yet there continues to be a digital divide that separates people who do and do not have access to the internet at home. The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened this divide and exacerbated the resulting inequalities. The City has been working with several Higher Education Institutions to research and better understand these challenges.
The following reports explore various elements of the digital divide (also referred to as digital exclusion), and how to improve digital accessibility in the City.
Mapping Toronto’s Digital Divide Ryerson University, Ryerson Leadership Lab and Brookfield Institute
This report examines the digital divides that exist in Toronto in terms of internet speed, affordability and quality and household access to internet-enabled devices. Such divisions are not spread evenly across the population, with lower-income and older residents more likely to not have access, or to have slower internet.
SDG Digital Inclusion Framework University of Toronto, Media Ethics Lab
This report provides commentary and recommendations on how the City of Toronto’s digital inclusion and digital equity initiatives can align to help accelerate progress towards UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Digital Access for Jane Finch Youth: Phase 1 Report York University, Institute for Research on Digital Literacies
This project examines the experiences of high school students (aged 13-18) navigating emergency remote learning. The focus is on youth living in the Jane Finch community within Toronto.
Dimensions of Digital Inclusion Ryerson University
This report offers insights on programs designed to increase digital inclusion with a dual focus on digital literacy and on options to make internet services more affordable.